The teachings of “Veneration of Shri Guru” beckon to me—they are small, simple, yet so effective.

When I first heard the word “upasana,” I assumed that it meant worship and respect paid to Shri Guru in a traditional form of physical worship. Then, a voice within nudged me to look up the etymology and specific meaning of the word “upasana.”

I was delighted to discover that “upa” means “near,” and “asana” means “being seated.” Thus, “upasana” means “being seated near the Divine.” This definition conveyed to me a stance of uninterrupted inner contemplation, meditation, and worship of one’s Guru.

As I read this, I felt illumined. My eyes became moist with love for Shri Guru, and I longed, with my every action, to merge with my Guru. I felt an increased remembrance with every passing hour.

I am grateful for these timely gems that enrich and deepen my sadhana.

California, United States

For me, listening to these daily “whispers of truth” is cumulative, centering, grounding, and affirming. They grow a steady sense of the reality of Shri Guru within me—far beyond words.

I find that “Remembrance of Shri Guru” invokes them all to date and promises the beauty of the days to come. The added dimension of this gift is in listening to Ami’s expression of these truths; to me, her voice is so full of love and certainty.

I realize that the sound of my own voice within my mind is often unconsciously driven and critical. My mind is now saying, “Listen, try this new approach, feel the truth of its tenderness and strength, allow the words to melt into awareness of this presence, and allow that presence to infuse any thinking that arises. Yes, remember Shri Guru, remember the truth of grace.”

Washington, United States

“Veneration of Shri Guru” is such prasad. For me, it is like rediscovering, step by step, powerful “tools” to honor and merge with Shri Guru.

I find it is a wonderful practice to search for the Sanskrit words in Gurumayi’s and Baba’s books. Doing this refreshes my understanding and experience of each word.

For example, I realized that “Darshan of Shri Guru” is something I could experience in everything I encounter in my day-to-day activities and that Shri Guru’s teachings are literally accompanying me all the time, if only I want to access them.

What a blissful experience! What a journey! What a wonderful life I have!

Milan, Italy

Each time I hear the words from “Veneration of Shri Guru” repeated by Ami Bansal three times, I feel the Guru’s shakti within my body; it may be all over or it may be in my heart.

It is a thrilling gift for me that these words register so strongly within my physical structure. It gives me a sense of oneness that is precious and unforgettable. It creates within me an understanding of the vast power that emanates from Shri Guru, and I become filled with the awareness that love is abundant!

California, United States

These first days of Gurupurnima month have been imbued with heavenly nectar for me. Each day, as I meditate on the exquisite image and repeatedly recite the beautiful Sanskrit words from memory, my awareness of Gurumayi’s presence has expanded and permeated my entire environment.

I sense Gurumayi in my surroundings and see her in my encounters with people and nature. My days are filled with warmth and a constant smile of recognition that I am in the presence of the Truth. This morning, while reflecting on shri guru smarana, I felt completely in my heart and at peace.

Sydney, Australia

I feel that the practice of “Veneration of Shri Guru” throughout July is a great gift. Every day, as I hear and read the sacred words, I feel myself connecting with my Guru more deeply and more consciously. Love and gratitude well up within me, along with joy at being blessed to be a disciple of a Siddha Guru.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

I experience sweetness, tenderness, and precision in Ami’s voice as I listen to “Veneration of Shri Guru.” I experience that these sacred words carry so much shakti. For me it’s like a powerful invocation of the purest form of the divine resonance that is manifest behind all the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet.

Lismore, Australia

As Ami pronounces these deeply meaningful words in Sanskrit, the calming resonance of her voice vibrates in a place deep in my heart. The experience is similar to and seems to work in tandem with the resonance of the colors and images for “Veneration of Shri Guru.” They all have a calming effect that draws me within to meditation on the Guru during this powerful celebration of Gurupurnima.

New York, United States

“Shri guru upasana”: Ahhhh, what a breath of fresh air I experienced as I listened to these words! What love and compassion from the Guru! What gratitude I feel for the one who gave me shaktipat-diksha! How many beneficial transformations have her teachings and unconditional love brought about in me!

I express my immense gratitude by humbly offering dakshina before the infinite ocean of love and mercy of my beloved.

Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz, Argentina